Last updated: July 2025
Writing good prompts is currently one of the highest-leverage skills in AI video generation.
The 5 Core Principles of Good AI Video Prompts
| Principle | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Be specific | Vague prompts = generic results | Instead of “a man walking”, say “a 35-year-old man in a dark coat walking through a rainy Tokyo street at night” |
| Describe motion clearly | Models need direction on movement | “Slow tracking shot following the subject from behind” |
| Specify camera movement | This heavily influences cinematic feel | “Smooth dolly zoom”, “handheld”, “drone rising shot” |
| Include lighting and mood | Greatly affects visual quality | “Golden hour lighting”, “neon reflections on wet pavement”, “moody low-key lighting” |
| Define style and quality | Helps the model match your vision | “cinematic, photorealistic, 8K, film grain” |
Recommended Prompt Structure
Subject + Action + Environment + Camera Movement + Lighting + Style + Technical Quality
Example: A young woman with short black hair riding a bicycle through a quiet suburban street at dusk, golden hour lighting, soft volumetric god rays, smooth tracking shot following her from the side, cinematic, photorealistic, shot on 35mm film, film grain, high detail.
Common Prompting Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It Fails | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Too vague | Model has too many interpretations | Add specific details about subject, environment, and mood |
| No camera direction | Results feel static or random | Always specify camera movement or framing |
| Conflicting instructions | Model gets confused | Keep prompts focused (max 2–3 main ideas) |
| Ignoring lighting | Flat or ugly visuals | Describe light source, time of day, and mood |
| Overloading the prompt | Model prioritizes some elements over others | Prioritize the most important 4–5 elements |
Quick Prompt Checklist
- Is the subject clearly described?
- Is the environment and time of day specified?
- Did I include a camera movement or shot type?
- Is the lighting and mood described?
- Did I add a style or technical reference?
- Is the prompt under ~60–70 words?
Final Tips
- Start simple, then iterate.
- Use film references when possible.
- Test the same prompt across different tools.
- Save your best prompts.
Mastering prompting is currently one of the fastest ways to improve your AI video output.
FAQ
- How long should an AI video prompt be? → 30–70 words is optimal.
- Do I need to mention camera movements? → Yes. It dramatically improves cinematic quality.
- Should I use film references? → Yes, when relevant.